Briefing to the Incoming Government by the Greater Christchurch Councils - February 2021
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Briefing to the Incoming
Government by the
Greater Christchurch Councils
February 2021
1
Welcome and Introduction
Dear Prime Minister and Ministers,
Congratulations on your election to Parliament and on forming the incoming Government.
As you deliver on your Government’s priorities, we wish to signal our intention and strong desire to
partner with you to unlock the opportunities and address the challenges that we collectively face.
This briefing provides an overview of the areas where the Greater Christchurch Councils consider
Local and Central Government partnership and co-investment is necessary to deliver national
wellbeing.
Greater Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest urban centre, and the principal economic hub
and gateway of the South Island. Our four Councils have worked collaboratively for many years and
we believe Greater Christchurch is at a critical turning point.
Our current focus, alongside our Greater Christchurch Partners – iwi, mana whenua, our local health
board and Central Government members – is to develop a clear and ambitious vision and plan for
the next 30 years – Greater Christchurch 2050. This strategy is about driving intergenerational
wellbeing and we believe that Central Government will have a strong interest in its direction and the
initiatives that we will deliver.
Our focus, which we believe will align and deliver on your objectives, are:
1. Strengthening partnership with iwi and mana whenua to increase the delivery of outcomes
for and aspirations of Māori
2. Leveraging our regional strengths to transform the productivity and sustainability of our
economy
3. Attracting a critical mass of people – we have capacity to grow in a sustainable manner and
we need more people to support the vibrancy and viability of our urban area
4. Maintaining affordable living and addressing our social and community housing needs
5. Delivering an effective and efficient public transport system that supports a well-
functioning urban environment
6. Adapting and responding to climate change as we collectively play our part in moving to a
net zero carbon future
We are creating an ambitious plan to deliver on these areas of focus and believe that in partnership
with your Government, we can deliver tangible results for the wellbeing of New Zealanders.
This briefing provides an overview of key challenges and opportunities and we would like to engage
with you to drive results in areas where co-investment by Central and Local Government will deliver
significant value to national wellbeing and Central Government priorities.
We would specifically like to work with you to:
1. Develop the Greater Christchurch 2050 vision and plan
22. Establish an Urban Growth Partnership to support transition to a well-functioning urban
environment in the context of net zero carbon emission and population growth
3. Develop a Greater Christchurch spatial plan to enable growth and necessary major
programmes of work to deliver a high performing, modern and sustainable urban area and
avoid the crises being experienced by other urban areas
4. Contribute to the development of the National Planning Framework and the new national
resource management system
5. Develop strategies, policy interventions and innovations to support climate change
adaptation and mitigation, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities
6. Co-invest to deliver innovative solutions in social and affordable housing and central city
intensification
7. Embed future-proof public transport system and mode shift, and progress the development
of a mass rapid transit business case
8. Contribute to the development of the national 30-year infrastructure strategy with the
Infrastructure Commission
9. Identify ways to enhance national resilience through appropriately distributed regional and
urban growth
10. Deliver key activation investments, including in research and education, needed to
accelerate the growth of our strategically strong sectors and transform our economy
11. Collectively help our communities understand the potential benefits and consequences of
the Three Water Reforms in partnership with mana whenua
12. Realise the value of Central and Local Government investment in the Central City Recovery
Plan through attracting people and businesses to Christchurch’s central city
The Greater Christchurch Partners meets monthly and would like to extend an invitation for
Ministers to meet with the Partnership through that forum to discuss the above priorities.
Lianne Dalziel Sam Broughton Dan Gordon Jenny Hughey
Mayor Mayor Mayor Chair
3Table of Contents
Greater Christchurch – Working in Partnership for the Future ........................................................... 5
Greater Christchurch’s contribution to national wellbeing ............................................................. 5
Partnership with iwi and mana whenua ......................................................................................... 5
Greater Christchurch 2050 ............................................................................................................. 6
How we can work with you ............................................................................................................ 6
COVID-19 Response, Recovery and Repositioning .............................................................................. 7
Regional and Economic Development; Research, Science and Innovation .......................................... 8
Creating vibrancy with a critical mass of people and activities ....................................................... 9
Delivering a well-functioning urban environment ............................................................................ 10
Spatial planning to deliver affordable housing, sustainable transport
and environmental protection .................................................................................................... 11
Housing ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Transport..................................................................................................................................... 12
Three Waters Reform .................................................................................................................. 13
Major development projects ....................................................................................................... 14
Environment and Climate Change.................................................................................................... 15
Addressing climate change .......................................................................................................... 15
Waste and recycling .................................................................................................................... 16
Other Issues .................................................................................................................................... 17
Legislative changes ...................................................................................................................... 17
Health ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Key Contacts.................................................................................................................................... 18
Appendix 1 – Map of Greater Christchurch ...................................................................................... 19
Appendix 2 – Greater Christchurch’s Strategically Strong Sectors .................................................... 20
4Greater Christchurch – Working in Partnership for the Future
Greater Christchurch’s contribution to national wellbeing
As you know, Greater Christchurch is the second largest urban centre in New Zealand with around
half a million people – 10% of the New Zealand population and 43% of the South Island population.
Over the last 12 years, we have been the fastest growing urban centre outside of Auckland.
We are the knowledge, service and logistics hub for Canterbury and the South Island – home to New
Zealand’s second largest airport and second largest seaport (by export numbers), four tertiaries, six
Crown Research Institutes, and a strong and diverse economic base that is strongly inter-connected
with the wider regional economy.
Greater Christchurch currently has the most affordable housing offering of New Zealand’s major
urban centres, with a lifestyle that is highly valued by its residents. The significant investment in
infrastructure and redevelopment post-earthquakes means that, unique among New Zealand’s
largest urban centres, Greater Christchurch has significant capacity for economic and population
growth.
We believe Greater Christchurch has the potential to contribute significantly more to national
wellbeing and prosperity:
1. We can provide quality, affordable lifestyles to more people – we have capacity to grow at
a relatively low marginal infrastructure cost and can provide a high-quality, affordable
lifestyle to our residents.
2. We have experience and knowledge to share – we have learnt to respond successfully to
adversity in many forms; through grass-roots community activation working in partnership
with decisive and innovative responses by institutions, government and business.
3. We can deliver greater economic returns on the public and private sector investment
already made – we have all the ingredients necessary for a successful urban economy and
have a strong appetite to increase the scale and value of our economic activity.
4. We have strong, cohesive leadership focused on the future – the transition from central to
local leadership has occurred, and local partners have a collective focus and appetite on
improving intergenerational wellbeing. This is manifested in our current focus on developing
a clear and ambitious vision and plan for the next 30 years through Greater Christchurch
2050.
5. The success of Greater Christchurch benefits New Zealand – our success provides national
economic resilience, supports a strong and successful South Island, and provides a greater
national return on infrastructure investment.
Partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and mana whenua
Strengthening partnership with iwi and mana whenua is a key priority for the Greater Christchurch
Partnership – a partnership that includes the four Councils, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, the Canterbury
District Health Board, and Central Government membership. Early and meaningful engagement with
iwi and mana whenua on strategic matters and projects is core to how we operate in Greater
Christchurch. Three Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu representatives sit at the Greater Christchurch
Partnership Committee table.
5Greater Christchurch 2050
As members of the Greater Christchurch Partnership, the four Councils are developing a new 30-year
vision and plan for Greater Christchurch. Greater Christchurch 2050 is about driving
intergenerational wellbeing and will provide the strategic direction for the Greater Christchurch
Partnership and the four Councils, and the basis for partnership with Central Government. The
development of the vision and plan is expected to be completed in 2021.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development are providing support for this project through the
involvement of senior officials, while other parts of Central Government (particularly the Ministry of
Businsess, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry for the Environment
and the Infrastructure Commission) are being engaged as the plan is developed. As a member of the
Greater Christchurch Partnership, Waka Kotahi is also actively involved.
How we can work with you
The Greater Christchurch Partnership is an established partnership of over thirteen years that
provides a co-ordinated and enduring mechanism for Central Government to engage with New
Zealand’s second largest urban centre.
The Greater Christchurch Partnership would like to strongly signal our intention to build a stronger,
enduring partnership with Central Government through the development and implementation of
Greater Christchurch 2050 and the creation of an Urban Growth Partnership. We would also like to
strongly signal our invitation to this Government to remain a key part of our Partnership. We will
work with you on the details of your membership over the coming months and would like to discuss
this with you when we meet.
Until 2021, this Partnership had Central Government membership through the Department of Prime
Minister and Cabinet. We are currently working with officials from the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Development to increase and formalise their involvement in the Partnership.
6COVID-19 Response, Recovery and Repositioning
There is a strong collaborative local response working in constructive partnership with Central
Government. Key opportunities for partnership through COVID-19 recovery include skills
development and supporting entrepreneurship. We would like to work with Central Government
to develop the reimagined strategic direction for tourism. Greater Christchurch 2050 will provide
the strategic direction to reposition Greater Christchurch as it transitions out of COVID-19
recovery.
Labour Manifesto: “Labour’s top priority in Government will continue to be a COVID recovery plan for
all New Zealanders.”
Greater Christchurch is coping relatively well
with the economic shock associated with
COVID-191, with economic activity and
employment performance similar or above
the national average.
The Canterbury Recovery Oversight Group –
chaired by the Canterbury Public Service
Lead and Waimakariri District Council CEO –
is supporting the regional cross-agency
coordination of recovery activities. Within
this regional approach, each local Council is
delivering its own recovery plan2 in partnership with its local communities, industry and education
providers. ChristchurchNZ (Christchurch’s economic and tourism agency) and the Canterbury
Chamber of Commerce are partnering to deliver regional business support. ChristchurchNZ is also
working with Regional and District Tourism Organisations across Canterbury and the West Coast to
coordinate domestic tourism marketing, and to provide support for and representation of the
tourism sector.
We recognise the importance of focused collective effort on repositioning Greater Christchurch for
the future. Greater Christchurch 2050 will provide the strategic direction to reposition Greater
Christchurch as it transitions out of COVID-19 recovery.
1
The latest Christchurch and Canterbury Economic Update can be found here.
2
For Christchurch City Council this is the Ōtautahi Christchurch Socio-Economic Recovery Plan.
7Regional and Economic Development; Research, Science and
Innovation
Leveraging regional strengths to transform the economy, and attract and retain talent
Greater Christchurch is focused on transforming its economy through four strategically strong
sectors – health technology; food, fibre and agritech; aerospace; and information technology.
Investment in activating infrastructure, and strengthening and aligning education, skills and
research provision, is necessary to support this transformation.
Labour Manifesto: “Our plan will create much-needed jobs and economic stimulus now, while also
future-proofing our economy…
…Labour will partner with regions to progress their regional economic development plans by making
$200 million seed funding available through the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund for strategic
investments in projects or programmes that support the growth of new and innovative industries,
deliver sustainable employment opportunities, and further a region’s economic development.”
Greater Christchurch’s economy has relatively low productivity and incomes compared to Auckland
and Wellington, and due to its industry structure, is more vulnerable to the disruptive changes
occurring globally. Our working age population is also older and lower skilled compared to in
Auckland and Wellington, creating more vulnerabilities to economic disruption and transition.
Transforming the economy to provide more quality employment and business opportunities in
environmentally sustainable areas will improve the prosperity and wellbeing of people in Greater
Christchurch. Building on our existing regional strengths in high value industries, and a
comprehensive base of tertiaries and research institutes, there are strong foundations to position
Greater Christchurch as a national and international testbed for new ideas and innovations, and to
attract new business and investment.
Greater Christchurch has identified four strategically strong sectors which can build on existing
regional strengths to leverage global growth opportunities3:
1. Health technology, resilience and wellbeing
2. Aerospace and future transport
3. Future food, fibre and agritech
4. Supported by high tech services
These sectors are intrinsic to our region, and are supported by strong local collaboration between
industry, education and research, iwi and mana whenua, and government.
Greater Christchurch believes there is a significant opportunity to partner with Central Government
to deliver core activating investments needed to accelerate the growth of these sectors, particularly
for aerospace and food and fibre, through the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.
Greater Christchurch is committed to working with local tertiary providers to strengthen Greater
Christchurch’s education and skills provision, and research activity, that align with these sectors to
support local people to leverage opportunities in the context of a transformed economy, to attract
3
Refer to Appendix 2 for more details.
8talented people to education, employment and business opportunities, and to attract businesses
and investment seeking a talented workforce in these sector areas.
In the context of COVID-19, Greater Christchurch is also well placed to compete globally to attract
talented people to New Zealand by providing meaningful business and employment opportunities,
and amenities, lifestyle and values that appeal.
Creating vibrancy with a critical mass of people and activities
Greater Christchurch has ambitious growth targets for its central city over the next 10 years, which
involves attracting new people, and growing and attracting business and investment to realise the
value of the investment made by Central Government and the Christchurch City Council in the
Central City Recovery Plan.
We would like to investigate opportunities for more Central Government functions locating in
Greater Christchurch to support national resilience, alleviate growth pressure on Wellington and
Auckland, and distribute a greater proportion of Central Government operational spend into the
South Island.
Labour Manifesto: “Our plan will create much-needed jobs and economic stimulus now, while also
future-proofing our economy.”
Greater Christchurch has benefited from significant investment in modern, resilient infrastructure
and urban assets over the past 10 years by Central Government, the Councils and the private sector.
Central Government has made significant and ongoing investments in health, tertiary and school
facilities, and major roads. There is now a range of new or enhanced infrastructure assets,
community amenities and public spaces funded by both Central Government and the Councils in the
central city, suburbs and townships in Greater Christchurch4.
The central city represents the most ambitious urban renewal project in New Zealand’s history. The
central city requires an additional 13,000 people and 20,000 workers over the next decade to deliver
vibrancy and agglomeration benefits, maintain regeneration momentum, and to make best use of
the substantial investment in infrastructure post-earthquakes. We are currently growing at less than
half the rate in residents or workers necessary to achieve this target5.
Greater Christchurch would like to work with Central Government to attract people and business to
our central city to realise the value of the substantial investment by Central and Local Government.
We also believe there is local and national benefits from locating more Central Government
functions and employment in Greater Christchurch, especially in the central city. This would support
new development opportunities, improve national resilience, alleviate some of the growth pressures
currently being experienced in Wellington and Auckland, and distribute more Central Government
operational spending into the South Island.
4
For example, the Canterbury Earthquake Memorial, Hagley Hospital, Lyttelton Cruise Berth, Tūranga - Central
Library, Bus Exchange, Margaret Mahy Playground, Christchurch Adventure Park, Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, He
Puna Taimoana - New Brighton Hot Pools.
5
More information on the central city’s performance can be found here.
9Delivering a well-functioning urban environment
Greater Christchurch Councils recognise the importance of integrating spatial planning with
transport and wider infrastructure investment to deliver a well-functioning urban environment that
enables all people and communities to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing, and
for their health and safety, now and into the future.
In partnership with Central Government, Greater Christchurch has delivered a significant
infrastructure and planning response following the significant damage, disruption and need for
transformation caused by the 2010/11 earthquake events. Greater Christchurch is now the most
affordable and uncongested major urban centre in New Zealand.
However, experiences from other urban centres show us the risks of complacency in future planning
and investment. Greater Christchurch 2050 will therefore provide the strategic framework that will
guide urban development and infrastructure planning in Greater Christchurch for the next 30 years.
Greater Christchurch Councils welcome the emerging direction and focus from Central Government
on the role that urban planning and infrastructure investment plays to safeguard the wellbeing of
current and future generations.
We welcome the recent announcements regarding resource management system reforms, including
the proposed new legislation to provide clearer direction to local government and the private sector.
We look forward to working closely with Central Government to ensure we are well prepared to
respond as this legislation develops.
We are committed to provide a high amenity, sustainable, accessible and affordable urban
environment which is attractive and provides for the needs of a diverse range of people. To achieve
this, key priorities are:
1. Housing affordability – Maintaining and enhancing housing affordability across all levels of
housing income, including the provision of social housing
2. Central city – completing regeneration and realising agglomeration and vibrancy outcomes
3. Addressing climate change – adaptation and mitigation
4. Enhancing environmental protection – water, soils, biodiversity
5. Improving the performance of the urban environment – integrating greater density with
improved transport options and amenity, including support for transport mode shift through
investment in cycleways and public transport and encouraging behaviour change
6. Greater Christchurch’s role - Enhancing Greater Christchurch’s contribution to the region,
South Island and New Zealand
We are particularly interested to work with Central Government to:
1. Establish an Urban Growth Partnership to support transition to a well-functioning urban
environment in the context of net zero carbon emission and population growth
2. Develop a Greater Christchurch spatial plan to enable growth and necessary major
programmes of work to deliver a high performing, modern and sustainable urban area and
avoid the crises being experienced by other urban areas
3. Contribute to the development of the National Planning Framework and the new national
resource management system
4. Develop strategies, policy interventions and innovations to support climate change
adaptation and mitigation, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities
105. Co-invest to deliver innovative solutions in social and affordable housing and central city
intensification
6. Embed future-proof public transport system and mode shift, and progress the development
of a mass rapid transit business case
7. Contribute to the development of the national 30-year infrastructure strategy with the
Infrastructure Commission
8. Identify ways to enhance national resilience through appropriately distributed regional and
urban growth
9. Deliver key activation investments, including in research and education, needed to
accelerate the growth of our strategically strong sectors and transform our economy
10. Collectively help our communities understand the potential benefits and consequences of
the Three Water Reforms in partnership with mana whenua
11. Realise the value of Central and Local Government investment in the Central City Recovery
Plan through attracting people and businesses to Christchurch’s central city
Spatial planning to deliver affordable housing, sustainable transport and
environmental protection
In the context of Greater Christchurch 2050, the Greater Christchurch Partnership is working with
the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to scope a new joint spatial planning project for
Greater Christchurch that will respond to the priorities outlined above.
Greater Christchurch’s lower density and dispersed urban form creates both particular opportunities
for our urban centre, such as the capacity to accommodate significantly more growth; and
challenges, such as implementing efficient transport solutions as the population grows and
responding to climate change.
The Greater Christchurch Partnership is also currently working with the Ministry of Housing and
Urban Development to establish an Urban Growth Partnership for Greater Christchurch. The aim of
establishing such a partnership is to ensure there is an enduring forum and governance structure for
Central Government, Local Government and mana whenua to collaborate on the strategic direction
for Greater Christchurch.
Housing
Enhancing and maintaining housing affordability is a key priority for Greater Christchurch. The
Greater Christchurch Councils, iwi and rūnanga have the appetite and capacity to explore
innovative housing options which will deliver intergenerational housing affordability.
Labour Manifesto: “Secure, healthy and affordable housing is at the heart of the wellbeing of New
Zealand families. It will take many years of sustained and continued focus to make that a reality for
every New Zealand family.”
Greater Christchurch has had relative housing affordability than other New Zealand urban centres
due to its rapid response after the earthquakes to free up land for residential development.
However, there remains a significant shortage of lower value and smaller homes in Greater
Christchurch. Low-income renters are particularly disadvantaged, especially Māori, single parents
11and single older people6. Greater Christchurch currently has over 1,000 households on waiting lists
for social housing, and the need for social and affordable housing is projected to increase by more
than 25,000 homes over the next 30 years.
It is critical that the affordability of living in Greater Christchurch is enhanced and maintained to
support the wellbeing of future generations.
Delivering higher density developments well located to leverage transport links, community amenity
and social services in Greater Christchurch is pivotal to meeting the projected increases in demand
for smaller, more affordable homes. Christchurch’s central city, in particular, has significant capacity
and need for a larger population.
Christchurch City Council’s Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust is the second largest provider of
social and community housing in New Zealand. Greater Christchurch Councils and Te Rūnanga o
Ngāi Tahu have both the capacity and appetite to work with Central Government to develop a wider
range of innovative solutions to support social and affordable housing, including more nuanced
rental and home ownership options. We are currently developing a Social and Affordable Housing
Strategy and we are keen to work with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Kāinga
Ora to explore these opportunities, including the potential to progress developments on some of the
larger vacant sites within the central city.
Transport
Implementing an effective public transport system is a key priority for Greater Christchurch.
Greater Christchurch is working in partnership with Waka Kotahi to progress investments and
initiatives outlined in the Canterbury Regional Public Transport Plan, including in relation to mass
rapid transit.
Labour Manifesto: “Labour will continue to prioritise further investment in public transport,
commuter rail, and walking and cycling to ensure accessible, affordable and reliable choices and
services for users.”
“Labour will continue to prioritise road safety initiatives, including those from the Road to Zero Safety
Strategy.”
“Labour will progress… developing a rapid transport network for Christchurch.”
Implementing an effective public transport system is a key priority for Greater Christchurch. If we
don’t progress this now it will undermine our ability to be a sustainable, liveable, and affordable
urban centre in the future that supports wellbeing.
Greater Christchurch’s existing land use pattern and transport system encourages high levels of car
use, leading to more congestion, rising emissions, reduced amenity, safety risks and poor health
outcomes for people and communities as our population grows. Transport is one of the biggest
contributors to Greater Christchurch’s carbon emissions – in Christchurch city on-road emissions
account for 36% of total gross greenhouse gas emissions.
Under investment has also inhibited greater uptake of public transport – only 2% of trips are on
public transport compared with 4% in Auckland and 5% in Wellington. In contrast, significant
6
Further information can be found in the Greater Christchurch Future Development Strategy – titled Our
Space.
12investment in cycle routes has provided a strong cycle network. Greater Christchurch is investing in
mode shift now to ensure we don’t experience the congestion challenges of other urban centres.
Alongside investment in mode shift, Greater Christchurch is committed to mitigate transport related
emissions through a transition to a zero emissions public transport fleet. In this context, Greater
Christchurch welcomes the Central Government commitment to provide councils with $50 million to
help them fully decarbonise the public transport bus feet by 2034.
We recognise that reducing carbon emissions in our urban area requires significant changes in how
we travel around our local area. We are committed to supporting our residents and communities to
make this transition through the provision of good quality, low-carbon options for getting around.
We look forward to partnering with the Central Government to deliver action.
The Canterbury Regional Public Transport Plan7 sets out an integrated approach to public transport
in Greater Christchurch that supports and enables our population and urban growth strategies. To
give effect to this, partners are developing the Future Public Transport Business Case. This will
deliver a coordinated programme of investments and improvements across both public transport
infrastructure and services. The first stage of this business case has been submitted to Waka Kotahi
for consideration.
A key component of this work is the development of a Mass Rapid Transit Business case, which will
identify the optimum corridors where such an investment will deliver maximum economic, social
and environmental benefit. The next key milestone will be the completion of the Interim Report in
April 2021, which involves testing a range of MRT operational scenarios to provide an indication of
the feasibility of MRT in different operational settings and provide an indication of the likely
investment ranges and scale of growth redistribute necessary to support the investment. The
following phase of the business case is expected later this year.
As part of Greater Christchurch 2050, we will be developing a new 30-year plan and infrastructure
strategy for Greater Christchurch. We want to work with the Infrastructure Commission on their
30-year strategy for New Zealand’s infrastructure system to ensure we achieve alignment.
Labour Manifesto: “…future-proof our country for decades to come by delivering new and upgraded
roads, rail, schools and hospitals across the country.”
“Labour will continue to progress the Urban Growth Agenda, support the provision of infrastructure
for housing, and set standards for quality urban design.”
Three Waters Reform
The Greater Christchurch Councils are pro-actively collaborating in the Three Waters Reforms and
the conversation across the South Island.
The Greater Christchurch Councils have engaged proactively in the first phase of Central
Government’s proposed reforms to the three waters services (drinking water, wastewater and
stormwater). Collectively the Councils will receive $59 million of post COVID-19 Central Government
stimulus funding for improvements to drinking water supply and wastewater management systems.
The Councils are contributing detailed information, under the Request for Information, on the state
of their infrastructure, regulatory compliance, service delivery arrangements and associated costs.
7
The Canterbury Regional Public Transport Plan can be accessed here.
13In response to the reforms, the Canterbury Mayoral Forum is investigating options for aggregated
water services delivery across Canterbury, as well as looking into the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu rohe
as the basis for a potential delivery focus. The Forum’s Steering Group overseeing this programme
of work includes five mayors and three Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu representatives.
The Greater Christchurch Councils acknowledge the rationale for the reforms, but also recognise
that Central Government’s preferred option of multi-regional water service delivery entities would
be the biggest reform of Local Government since 1989. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu have indicated a
strong interest in the reform programme and made clear their expectation of having a key role in the
governance of any new service delivery entities. The Councils would like to closely partner with
Central Government and mana whenua to collectively help our communities understand the
potential benefits and consequences of the reforms.
Major development projects
There remain a number of key projects in Christchurch’s central city, initiated under the Christchurch
Central Recovery Plan, which are still in development or are to be developed by or in partnership
with Central Government. These key projects are outlined in the following table.
Project Status
Te Pae – The Under construction by Ōtākaro Limited
Convention Centre
Scheduled for completion: Early 2021
Metro Sports Facility Under construction by Ōtākaro Limited
Scheduled for completion: July 2022
Canterbury Multi - Early works expected in 2021
Use Arena
Independent Company and Board established to manage construction
Scheduled for completion: Early 2025
Te Papa Ōtākaro - The majority of the Precinct has been handed over to Christchurch City Council
Avon River Precinct
The opportunity of the Te Papa Ōtākaro - Avon River Precinct is being considered as
part of Greater Christchurch 2050
Following the September 2019 Global Settlement between the Crown and Christchurch City Council,
the investment by Central Government of shovel ready funding in the Metro Sports Facility and the
signing of a Funding Agreement for the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena, there are currently no funding
shortfalls in the above projects.
These facilities will provide Greater Christchurch with the most modern, resilient and attractive built
infrastructure in New Zealand, cementing Greater Christchurch’s re-emergence as New Zealand’s
second city.
14Environment and Climate Change
Addressing climate change
Greater Christchurch is highly vulnerable to climatic change. Greater Christchurch wants to work
with Central Government on the appropriate strategies, policy interventions and innovations to
support climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Labour Manifesto: “Labour will work with local councils, unions, industry, iwi and Māori
organisations to ensure a just transition to a zero carbon and climate-resilient economy and society,
which also optimises economic development opportunities.”
Greater Christchurch is the most physically vulnerable urban centre in New Zealand with the most
infrastructure exposed to the impacts of climate change. Greater Christchurch also has an economy
that is relatively dependent on activities known to emit carbon (i.e. agriculture, logistics and
tourism). The Greater Christchurch Councils want to work with Central Government to develop
innovative solutions for responding to climate change and moving towards a net zero-carbon future.
At a regional level, the Canterbury Regional Climate Change Working Group, which sits under the
Canterbury Mayoral Forum, is focused on developing a regional climate change risk assessment that
aligns with the National Climate Change Risk Assessment8. The Working Group has representatives
from all Canterbury councils, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Papatipu Rūnanga.
At a local level, Councils are initiating work on coastal hazard adaption planning in partnership with
low lying coastal and inland communities to respond to inundation, erosion and rising groundwater
caused by climate change-related sea level rise.
Greater Christchurch Councils believes that clear strategy and guidance at a national level is
necessary to support local engagement with communities to climate change. The Councils seeks
stronger involvement and a collaborative approach from Central Government in setting direction for
addressing climate change in Greater Christchurch.
Greater Christchurch Councils recognises the importance of the inter-dependence between national
climate change policy and legislative responses, Local Government adaptation work, and local
community action and engagement. The Councils have a strong appetite to engage with the
relevant ministries to ensure this inter-dependency is leveraged to achieve the best overall
outcomes, and that roles, responsibilities, expectations, implications and resourcing are clear and
well coordinated.
8
NIWA’s Canterbury Climate Change Report can be found here. The Canterbury Climate Change Risk
Assessment Stage 1 Report can be found here.
15Waste and recycling
Greater Christchurch is working closely with Central Government and industry to develop the
design and implementation of areas within Central Government’s waste work programme. We
will continue to explore regional approaches to address ongoing challenges and opportunities in
waste minimisation and management.
Labour Manifesto: “Labour’s waste action plan will future proof our economy through preventing,
reducing and recycling waste consistent with a zero-waste approach where waste and pollution are
designed out.”
The Canterbury councils have traditionally worked together to address solid waste challenges,
providing regional economies of scale for major infrastructure. The Kate Valley Regional Landfill, run
by Transwaste Canterbury, is a public private partnership half owned by five councils (Christchurch,
Selwyn, Waimakariri, Ashburton and Hurunui). The EcoCentral Materials Recovery Facility for
recycling provides services for the Greater Christchurch Councils and others across the Canterbury
region. Central Government is investing in resource recovery infrastructure, including $16.8 million
in funding for EcoCentral to update their optical and mechanical sorting machines.
The waste management and recycling sector in New Zealand is going through a period of significant
change with the collapse of prices in international recyclable materials markets, higher standards for
recyclable materials in these markets and a lack of onshore solutions for resource recovery.
We are working closely with Central Government and industry to develop the design and
implementation of areas within Central Government’s waste work programme. We will continue to
explore regional approaches to address the challenges and opportunities in waste minimisation and
management.
16Other Issues
Legislative changes
We are keen to discuss potential legislative changes in relation to the reuse of highly treated
wastewater for non-potable use. This is in relation to proposed solutions for treatment of
wastewater currently discharged to the Akaroa Harbour, but potentially has national implications for
iwi and the new water regulator, Taumata Arowai.
Health
The Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a member of the Greater Christchurch Partnership.
The Councils welcome Central Government’s investment in the new Christchurch Hospital, Hagley –
named Waipapa – and the pre-election announcement of a proposed 450 hospital car parking
solution in partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Central Government’s ongoing discussions with the CDHB
regarding their $180 million debt are positive.
We also believe there are public health benefits and opportunities for the health sector to work
more closely with Councils who provide a range of recreation and sporting facilities with positive
linkages to wellbeing.
17Key Contacts
Christchurch City Council Waimakariri District Council
Mayor: Lianne Dalziel Mayor: Dan Gordon
lianne.dalziel@ccc.govt.nz dan.gordon@wmk.govt.nz
Chief Executive: Dawn Baxendale Chief Executive: Jim Palmer
dawn.baxendale@ccc.govt.nz jim.palmer@wmk.govt.nz
Selwyn District Council Environment Canterbury
Mayor: Sam Broughton Chair: Jenny Hughey
sam.broughton@selwyn.govt.nz councillor.hughey@ecan.govt.nz
Chief Executive: David Ward Chief Executive: Stefanie Rixecker
david.ward@selwyn.govt.nz stefanie.rixecker@ecan.govt.nz
18Appendix 1 – Map of Greater Christchurch
19Appendix 2 – Greater Christchurch’s Strategically Strong Sectors
Greater Christchurch’s strategically strong sectors are those with strong global growth opportunities
where the region has existing strengths and capabilities. Greater Christchurch is catalysing strong
eco-systems around each sector, aligning and connecting students, iwi, education providers,
industry, and government to accelerate opportunities and growth.
Future food, fibre and agritech Aerospace and future transport
With a growing global population and the impact With a current global value of $360 billion, estimated to
of climate change, Canterbury can leverage its increase to $2.7 trillion by 2050, the aerospace and future
current global reputation as a leader in smart transport space is a rapidly growing global industry.
agri-tech solutions.
New technologies lowering barriers to entry significantly.
Canterbury is New Zealand’s largest agricultural Demand for space and satellite services growing rapidly -
region, producing one-fifth of the nation’s driven by digital transformation and IoT.
agricultural GDP and employs nearly 20,000
Greater Christchurch has an established hi-value
people.
engineering services sector and strong academic and
The region’s climate, fertile plains, and excellent research institutions across engineering and technology
water access enable a diverse and high-quality disciplines. Nearly a third of all New Zealand aerospace
offering of meat, dairy, plant-based products, engineering graduates, and nearly a quarter of engineering,
wine and seafood. coming from Canterbury universities.
Greater Christchurch provides a logistical hub Canterbury’s geographic location, its open skies and
with support from world-class manufacturing, proximity to international air and seaports, and New
technology and professional services. Lincoln Zealand’s enabling approach to aerospace testing and
University boasts one of the largest innovation (New Zealand is number one of only eleven
concentrations of land-based researchers in the launch-capable nations) makes Canterbury a perfect
Southern Hemisphere, while the University of testbed for aerospace and future transport technologies.
Canterbury produces world-class engineering and
Christchurch was the first region to develop, with support
software talent.
from central government, an aerospace sector plan.
Health technology, resilience and Supported by high tech services
wellbeing Exponential growth in technological innovation is a global
In the context of global climate and health phenomenon impacting all aspects of global economies and
disruption, there is growing and significant global lives.
demand to innovative approaches to health care, Technological innovation enables all other sectors, and a
resilience and wellbeing. strong technology sector is critical to support growth and
Greater Christchurch has built a highly success in Greater Christchurch other strategically strong
collaborative approach across health care sectors.
provision, research and education, centred Greater Christchurch has a strong base of technology
around the new central city health precinct. The businesses, being the second largest tech sector in New
District Health Board, tertiary and industry Zealand contributing $2.4 billion worth of GDP and over
partners working together to prototype health 15,000 jobs to the local economy.
tech solutions.
Greater Christchurch’s tech sector community is highly
The Canterbury earthquakes fostered innovation connected, with a strong mix of start-ups through to home-
in community resilience, producing valuable grown and international multi-national companies.
learnings for a planet facing climate change and
the increased likelihood of disasters, and
positioning Christchurch to lead internationally
on approaches to resilience and regeneration.
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